Study, Dec/23: Continuation of psychiatric medications during pregnancy

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The full title of this American study is "Continuation of psychiatric medications during pregnancy".

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36710395/ 

 

Abstract

Background: While medications for anxiety and depression are commonly used in the United States, it is unclear to what degree they are continued during pregnancy.

Methods: We used a large administrative database to determine whether psychiatric medications are continued during pregnancy and predictors of continued medication treatment.

Results: Of 2,672,656 women included in our analysis, 86,454 (3.1%) filled a pre-pregnancy prescription for an anxiolytic or antidepressant medication within 3 months of estimated conception. Of women who filled a pre-pregnancy prescription, 49.4%, 26.1%, and 20.1% filled subsequent prescriptions in the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd trimesters. Discontinuation rates ranged by pharmaceutical agent, from 16% for fluoxetine to 71% for alprazolam. White women and women over 25 were more likely to continue anxiolytic and antidepressant treatment during pregnancy.

Conclusion: Because untreated and under-treated mental health conditions are linked to adverse maternal outcomes, high discontinuation rates may have important implications for maternal health.